Ah, Butter Chicken — it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, isn’t it? The first time I made it, I remember the way my kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and creamy goodness. I was living in a little apartment with my college roommates, and we were always on the hunt for meals that were not just easy but delicious enough to impress. This SIMPLE BUTTER CHICKEN quickly became a staple and a favorite, fitting right into our busy lives while offering up a bit of culinary comfort. Now, every time I whip it up, I’m transported back to those joyful evenings spent together, sharing stories and laughter over bowls of rice smothered in that velvety sauce. Let’s bring that cozy feeling into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Easy weeknight dinner in under 30 minutes!
- ✔️ Budget-friendly with ingredients you might already have.
- ✔️ Comforting, rich flavors that warm your soul.
- ✔️ Perfect for meal prep — make it ahead and enjoy all week.
- ✔️ Adaptable for spice lovers and those who prefer it mild!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter (and a little more for cooking, just because!)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of color)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional, but highly recommended!)
Feel free to add your twist with some diced bell peppers or peas for a pop of color and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic happen.
- Prep the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. This adds flavor right from the start!
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). It’s okay if they’re not fully cooked through yet; they’ll finish cooking later!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter, followed by the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (around 3-4 minutes). Your kitchen will start to smell divine!
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the remaining spices: garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir everything together for a minute. This is where the magic truly begins — the colors will brighten up and the aroma will be irresistible!
- Tomatoes, Please: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything, letting it simmer on low for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken a little and deepen in color.
- Creamy Goodness: Next, gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). This adds that luscious, comforting texture we’re after. Let it simmer on low for another 5-10 minutes. Feel free to taste and adjust the spices if you like more heat or flavor!
- Combine: Add the chicken back into the sauce, letting it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed and well-flavored.
- Garnish: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of freshness, and get ready to dig in!
Pro Tips & Variations
Here are some fun twists and additional tips to take your butter chicken to the next level:
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. They’ll soften nicely in the sauce.
- Spice It Up: For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices a few hours before cooking — it really tenderizes the meat and deepens the flavor!
- Make It Vegan: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or cauliflower and use coconut milk instead of dairy cream. It’s still creamy and dreamy!
- Herbs and Extras: Squeeze a little lime juice on top before serving for a refreshing kick. You can also add some roasted cashews or almonds for crunch!
Serving Suggestions
Ah, the best part! Imagine a generous scoop of that luscious butter chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed rice or paired with warm naan bread for dipping. Don’t forget a side of cucumber raita to cool things down if you like it spicy! A fresh salad or lightly sautéed greens complement it well too. And if you’re feeling extra cozy, a nice cup of chai tea or a glass of your favorite white wine goes perfectly with this meal.
Storage Tips
Although this butter chicken is hard to resist, if you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Don’t Lose the Creaminess: When reheating, you might want to add a splash of cream or coconut milk to keep everything nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they can be drier than thighs, so make sure not to overcook them. Adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take less time to cook through.
What other sides go well with butter chicken?
Rice is classic, but you can also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or even on a fluffy baked potato for a different spin. A light salad or roasted vegetables are delightful companions too!
Can I make butter chicken ahead of time?
Yes! It holds up beautifully, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge or freeze as mentioned, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready at your convenience!
How do I make it less spicy?
Simple! Just reduce the amount of chili powder and garam masala. You can also add more cream or coconut milk to mellow the spice out!
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Definitely! Canned crushed tomatoes are a fantastic option and provide the same rich flavor. They’re super convenient and save time, which is always a win in my book!
Conclusion
And there you have it! A creamy, dreamy bowl of SIMPLE BUTTER CHICKEN that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I hope you enjoy cooking this dish as much as I do. Please feel free to drop a comment below about your experience or any variations you tried — I love hearing how you make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Master Simple Butter Chicken Quick Delicious Recipe Guide
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience quick delicious flavors with this simple butter chicken recipe Elevate your meals with this easy cooking technique 152 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A creamy, dreamy bowl of Simple Butter Chicken that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. A warm hug on a chilly day with rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
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